Fuel lines are original on mine.

 

Here are three pages of fuel tank senders from the 1980-89 parts catalog... we are only interested in those used in the F series and these are only the kind that don't have integrated fuel pumps (the 9275)...













Here are the ones including fuel pumps (the 9H307):

 

I'm not sure if mine had two or one tube. If it did have the return line where does that return line go? That should tell me which system I have. It sounds like I have the same one as you do.

Ctubutis,

Thanks for the info! I called the local ford dealership and he said that he can't get it but the part# is E5TZ-9275-G. On the list you posted that part# reads 85/86 F150/f350-- all 6 & 8 cyl exc. 460 non EFI engines so this must be the single tube. The other part# that I found looking through that list is E5TZ-9275-JA which is for 85/86 F250/F350 8 cyl 351/460 which has dual lines, so these are the two possible parts.

 

If you had a return line it would return to the top of the fuel tank sending unit right next to the barb for the fuel pickup.

 

Does it return from the carb or pump?

 

It would return from the carb.

Some of these systems had something called a Hot Fuel Handling Package, this basically keeps a steady supply of fuel flowing to the engine (be it a carb or EFI) and the excess goes back to the tank. This was to prevent vapor lock caused by fuel lines "too close to" an exhaust manifold (for example).

This truck is a 1985 which would have a feedback carb or, optionally, EFI - but only if the 6-banger or 302 AND on an F150... this is an F250 which is most likely somewhat different... depending, of course..

Simply put... are you gonna use a plain, ol' carb in what sounds like a non-factory configuration? If so, you don't need a return tube, so a sender with a single tube would be fine (this was used for decades in the past). You need to get one for the size tank you're using, the size of the hole in it (2.5" or 5.25" or something in those areas) and the correct electrical connector. You might run into differences with the locations of the, um, bent-down tabs on the flange lining up with notches in the tank (best way I can describe it quickly).

I hope you're learning to NEVER get rid of the old stuff until AFTER the new configuration is up and running....

 

Well, I found out recently they had two different return type systems. One system used electric pumps in the tanks, and this system would return from a fitting up near the carb. But they also had a mechanical pump return system, the mech pump had 3 lines coming out of it, so those would return from the pump. That is the 460 system. They have the 3 line mech pumps at the store. I don't know if the 351w return system was electric or mechanical, or could have been either like the 460's. Ford did like to change it's mind on some things didn't they?

 

I'm replacing the 2 barrel with a 4 barrel. I'm going to order the single outlet sending unit, worse case I'll have to return the tank if the hole is not the same size as the sending unit.

 

Is the ford sending unit superior to an aftermarket one from LMC?

The LMC unit is 70$. I called around and found someone who has both of the Ford OEM sending units. The two outlet unit is 170$ and the single is 235$. Could I get the cheaper two outlet unit and plug the return without any problems if I decide to go the ford route?

 

Be ready, the two port model may not fit your wiring harness plug, especially if it's a unit for a electric in-tank pump. If it's the electric pump model you will also have to modify the sending unit since you won't be using a pump. Small stuff that can be overcome, but just a warning it may need some modifications to make it work.

 

Yes, I forgot about those, I think Jim (Ardwrkntrk) posted pictures once.

The OEM sender (and pump, if equipped) is vastly superior in my experience... I will NEVER purchase a Spectra-brand unit ever again...

 

If you're rich, get the OEM one. I got one from LMC that was a wack job out of the box, however they sent me another one for free and it works pretty well.

 

Well, I'm not rich, but I found it a little cheaper at 189$ and ordered it. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Good deal!

 

There is a TON of options for 85. Ford couldn't help me here. When I was building my truck it had the small hole fuel tank. The parts guy said 85 was a change over year, so it could have came with anything. I ended up replacing it with an aftermarket Spectre tank and LMC sender, it has been good so far. I have a 4 barrel carb and went with a non return style.